Li Auto Inc. is recalling 11,411 of its flagship Mega multi-purpose electric vehicles in China after one of its
cars caught fire [on October 23], highlighting growing concerns about EV safety.
The recall covers the 2024 model of the Mega produced between Feb. 18, 2024, and Dec. 27, 2024, according to a filing posted by the State Administrat
ion for Market Regulation. The carmaker cited concerns about
a coolant defect that, in extreme conditions, could result in thermal
runaway in the battery. (Editor’s note: News reports indicate the Mega vehicle caught fire while it was in motion.)
In a detailed explanation posted on its official WeChat account, Li Auto said that the recall was prompted by a b
attery fire involving a 2024 Mega in Shanghai on Oct. 23 that drew significant public attention. While no final technic
al conclusions have been reached, the company said that its own investigation concluded a coolant defect caused the accident.
The investigation excluded the possibility of the fire being caused by the vehicle’s battery cells, which are ma
nufactured by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., it said. As part of the recall, which begins Nov
. 7, Li Auto will replace the coolant, the power battery unit and the f
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ront motor controller on affected cars, and extend their standard warranty period.
Large-scale physical recalls are uncommon in China, and the swift response from Li Auto underscor
es the growing scrutiny of the EV industry’s safety record. Officials are
already proposing stricter rules on driver-assistance systems and flush door handles, with the latter taking on
greater significance following the recent fiery crash of a Xiaomi Corp. SU7 electric sedan.
That incident saw bystanders unable to open the doors to rescue the driver, who died. Chinese regulators h
ave already started drafting new requirements for door handle mecha
nisms after a similar crash in March killed three people, with this month’s accident expected to bolster the case for implementation.
Li Auto said that its vehicle automatically unlocked when
the fire broke out, and that both front and rear rows are equipped with mechanical emergency handles to ensure a quick exit.
The company pledged to “eliminate all hidden dangers” and ensure “no further self-ignition accidents.”